Universal swim fin replacement heel strap

ABSTRACT

With the development of the universal swim fin replacement strap swimmers will be able to carry inexpensive, colorful, replacement straps with them whether they came on the swim fins or not, so that in the event a buckle or strap breaks or is lost, the swimming activity is not spoiled by not being able to use the swim fins. These unique heel straps will not be encumbered with heavy adjusting buckles or heel supports, but will incorporate a novel method of length adjustment using the existing knobs located on the sides of the swim fins and a plurality of orifices along the sides from the heal area to each distal end of the strap. Pull tabs or pull rings will aide in the mounting of the universal replacement swim fin strap to the swim fins and to putting the swim fins on the foot. Additional embodiments of this invention endeavor to accomplish the same goals using similar means of attachment while staying within the scope of this patent.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to a new and improved universal swim finreplacement heel strap that can be used as a replacement strap on mostconventional swim fins having an open foot pocket and knobs protrudingfrom the outer sides as a means of attachment. More particularly, theinvention relates to a simple, adjustable, economical heel strap thathas no buckling mechanisms, and may be kept in reserve for the occasionwhen the straps that are supplied with the swim fins need to bereplaced. This new and unique universal swim fin heel strap could besupplied separately in many bright colors or featured on new swim fins.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Swimming has developed far beyond just a recreational sport,expanding into various occupational and military activities. Thisdevelopment has created a need for improvements in the devices used inthe act of swimming, with the swim fin being one of the major componentadvancements. Swim fins increase a swimmers capability greatly on thesurface, and are a necessity in the act of deep diving.

[0003] There are two basic styles of swim fins, the full foot pocketstyle having a variety of propulsion blades with the heel strap as anintegral part. This style of swim fins has a fixed heel strap, and mustbe purchased to the size of the foot of the individual that will beusing them. With this style of swim fin the distributors must carry alarge variety of sizes along with the different styles. The full footstyle of swim fin must be discarded when one of the heel straps break.

[0004] The second style of swim fins referred to, as open heel or strapfin is adjustable to the individual using them by the means of the heelstrap usually incorporating a buckle adjustment mechanism. This style ofswim fin also has a variety of styles of propulsion blades. Adjustmentsin size are most commonly accomplished by the means of a buckle on oneor both sides of the open heel pocket. The majority of swim fins of thisstyle have a heel strap mounting knob with an enlarged head and a shankmember affixed on the outer surface of either side of the foot pocket asan integral part of the swim fin. The heel straps are attached to theseknobs by different means of attachment that generally incorporate thebuckling mechanisms for adjustment, so the heel straps can be replacedif they break or no longer will tighten properly or are inadvertentlylost, which is most common at the beech. Often these straps and bucklesare expensive and hard to find with most distributors preferring to sella new pair of swim fins, and swimmers not having the convenience ofcarrying a spare set of straps for their swim fins. The open heel orstrap style of swim fin is most commonly used when the swimmer wants theoption of wearing or not wearing the protective booties in cold waterrequiring the adjustment of the fin size. Another difficulty presentedby the straps after a period of time is the metal buckles will cut therubber straps at the gripping area or the metal buckles will chafe theankles of the swimmer.

[0005] Several inventers have endeavored to patent new and improved heelstraps for the open heel or strap style of swim fins but most arecomplicated adding to their expense and generally keeping some form ofbuckling mechanism.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,545,067 of Giovanni Garofalo relates to swimmingfins, especially the open-shoe type of swimming fin with a heel strapsecured to both sides of the foot socket, and relates more particularlyto a buckle for adjustably fastening the strap to the fin. This patenttypifies the conventional style of swim fins using the strap and bucklesystem. This device does not incorporate any of the unique features ofthe universal swim fin replacement heel strap, but concentrates on theleverage features of the metal buckling system.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,597,336 of Robert B. Evans describes a uniquelyconfigured fin having an open instep that is secured to the foot of thewearer by a padded securement means so as to accommodate a plurality offoot sizes. The heel strap consists of an elastic loop through a heelcushion secured to the fin by the means of a bracket. This patent dwellsprimarily with the unique open instep concept and the fact that the finsmay be manufactured from a two-piece molding system. The heel straps,though similar do not make use of the knobs found on the most commonswim fins and has no intension of being a universal swim fin replacementheel strap.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,607,334 of Giovanni Garofalo teaches of a swimfin equipped with a buckle for the fastening of the heel strap. The heelstrap of this swim fin attaches in a similar fashion with a buckle forlength adjustments to the conventional fin knobs on the sides of thefoot pockets, except that this heel strap has the unique limitedrotation feature requiring a radial tooth which cooperates with anabutment element on the knob to prevent the downward rotation.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 6,247,983 of Tzong In Yeh discloses an adjustingstrap structure for swim fins. Although this strap structure does notincorporate a buckling system, it is designed for a specific type ofswim fins, and will not fit other manufacturers swim fins in that itdoes make use of the knobs on the sides of most common swim fins.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 6,227,924 of Phillip W. Miller describes a heelstrap for an open heel swim fin designed to securely hold the user'sfoot in the swim fin, yet minimize ankle and foot movement within theheel straps. The heel strap comprises a heel pocket and set of strapswith buckles to attach to the swim fins. This device makes use of alocking receptacle or buckle to attach the heel strap to the sides ofthe foot pocket.

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 6,341,383 of Giovanni Battista Beltrani teaches ofan adjustable back strap for diving and swimming equipment. Althoughthis patent makes use of the conventional knobs and buckling attachmentmechanism, it could possibly be seen as a universal swim fin strap, butit would be difficult to store a spare set because it is comprise ofseveral types of buckling systems along with a complicated heelsupporting structure.

[0012] The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction,combination of elements, and arrangement of parts that will beexemplified in the construction hereinafter set forth, and the scope ofthe invention will be indicated in the claims.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention accomplishes its desired objects bycreating a device that can be manufactured easily as a single elasticunit with no additional parts and can be vacuum rapped on small displaycards. The manufacturing materials may be of an elastromeric rubbers ora variety of flexible urethanes and will conform to a variety ofconventional forms of manufacturing, like injection molding and castingprocesses. With the size and simplicity of this product it can bemanufactured in many bright and striking colors to add an additionalcomponent to its unique features.

[0014] The simplicity of this unique device is accomplished by severalfeatures that allow the universal replacement swim fin strap to beattached to a variety of different styles of swim fins by the means of aplurality of orifices on either side of the heal area extending to bothdistal ends of the strap. These orifices may be in a number of differentgeometric shapes, rectangular, spherical, elliptical or triangular.These orifices with their predetermined shape stretch over the existingheel strap mounting knobs enlarged head, locating on the shank portionon each side of the conventional swim fins. These universal replacementswim fin straps will come is varying lengths with each strapaccommodating a number of different sizes of feet. The elastic abilityof the universal replacement swim fin strap allows it to fit comfortablyon the wearer no matter what size their foot is, in a similar fashion tothe full foot pocket style of swim fins. The universal replacement swimfin strap will have an enlarged heel area with a textured non-slipsurface next to the heel of the wearer. The heel area may be flat with apull tab, may have the pull tab angled away from the heel or may have aring shaped pull to assist putting on the swim fins. The heel area mayalso have a curved shape matching the shape of the heel of the wearer,all while remaining within the scope of this patent. There may or maynot be similar pull-tabs or pull rings at the distal ends of each sideof the universal replacement swim fin strap to aide in the mounting ofthe straps over the knob heads on the sides of the swim fins.

[0015] An alternate embodiment will incorporate an enlarged edge on bothsides of the universal replacement swim fin strap, increasing thestrength of the strap while still allowing the thinner wall of thecentral web area to stretch over the knob heads on the sides of the swimfins. This embodiment will incorporate the same arrangement of pull-tabsand heel configurations and still remain within the scope of thispatent.

[0016] Another alternate embodiment of the universal replacement swimfin strap will incorporate a bungee cord forming loops to go over theheads of the heel strap mounting knobs on the sides of conventional swimfins. Each loop will have a retainer to maintain the size of the loopend of the bungee cord. There will also be a commercially availablesliding adjustment device to vary the length of the bungee cord for sizeadjustments.

[0017] An additional alternate embodiment of the universal replacementswim fin strap will be comprised of plastic attachment clips and one ormore sections of surgical tubing. The plastic attachment clips have anorifice with an enlarged end that fits over the heel strap mounting knobhead on the sides of the swim fins and a reduced end that fits snugly onthe shank section of the knobs when the fins are put on. Theseattachment clips have one or more prong ends allowing that when surgicaltubing is slid over it will hold securely when a force is exerted toremove it. The surgical tubing will have to be cut to the size of thewearer, and can easily be replaced when it looses its elasticity or isbroken.

[0018] The universal replacement swim fin strap and the additionalembodiments endeavor to eliminate the use of the common buckling systemof length adjustment and to create a device in its most simple state,along with the convenience of being able to always have a spare setwhether they came on the swim fins or not.

[0019] The object of this invention is to supply the market with simple,inexpensive universal replacement swim fin strap.

[0020] Another object of this invention is to create a single universalreplacement swim fin strap that can fit on either the right or left fin,not requiring a right foot and left foot fin strap.

[0021] Another object of this invention is to create a swim fin strapthat is small and light weight enough that swimmers can always carry aspare set with them so when a strap is either lost or broken there is noproblem replacing it.

[0022] Another object of this invention is to create a swim fin strapthat mount easily to many different manufacturers swim fins by the meansof the conventional heel strap mounting knobs.

[0023] Another object of this invention is to create a swim fin strapthat does not have the conventional buckle as a means of adjustment.

[0024] Another object of this invention is to create a swim fin strapthat can easily be made in many bright and varying colors.

[0025] A further object of this invention is to create a swim fin strapthat has superior flexibility for holding the strap in position on theheel of the swimmers foot.

[0026] Yet another object of this invention is to create a swim finstrap that makes the open heal or strap style of swim fins perform inthe same manor as a foot pocket style of swim fin with the moldedintegral heel strap Still another object of this invention is to createa swim fin strap that allows a swimmer to use the same pair of swim finswhether they use the booties for cold water or not.

[0027] A final object is to create a universal replacement swim finstrap that can be used as a replacement on a wide variety of styles andsizes of swim fins made by many different swim fin manufactures.

[0028] The present invention accomplishes its desired objects byproviding a new and unique universal swim fin replacement strap thatwill fit a variety of different manufacturers swim fins, has no buckles,is adjustable and easily attached and made in a variety of colors. Thesetogether with other objects and advantages which will becomesubsequently apparent reside in the details of the construction andoperation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, referencebeing had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, whereinlike numerals refer to like parts throughout

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

[0029] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention andtogether with the description, serve to explain the principals of theinvention.

[0030]FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a conventional open heel orstrap style of swim fin.

[0031]FIG. 2A depicts perspective view of the open heel portion of theconventional open heel or strap style swim fin with the preferredembodiment of the swim fin replacement heel strap exploded away.

[0032]FIG. 2B depicts a perspective view of the alternate embodiment ofthe pull-tabs as a ring grip, of the swim fin replacement heel strap.

[0033]FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of the open heel portion of theconventional open heel or strap style swim fin with alternate embodimentas a bungee cord style of swim fin replacement heel strap.

[0034]FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of the open heel portion of theconventional open heel or strap style swim fin with another alternateembodiment as a surgical tubing style of swim fin replacement heelstrap.

[0035]FIG. 5 depicts a flat pattern layout of the swim fin replacementheel strap.

[0036]FIG. 6 depicts an edge view of the flat pattern layout of the swimfin replacement heel strap.

[0037]FIG. 7 is the front view of the multiple surgical tubingattachment clips.

[0038]FIG. 8 is the front view of the single surgical tubing attachmentclips.

[0039]FIG. 9 is the typical side view of the surgical tubing attachmentclips.

[0040]FIG. 10 is a section through the heel portion of the preferredembodiment of the swim fin replacement heel strap.

[0041]FIG. 11 is a section through the heel portion of an alternateembodiment of the swim fin replacement heel strap with the grip membertipped away from the heel area.

[0042]FIG. 12 is a section through the heel portion of an additionalalternate embodiment of the swim fin replacement heel strap with in ashape that will conform to the shape of the wearer's heel.

[0043]FIG. 13 is a side view of the left side of the universalreplacement swim fin strap displaying a single square orifice with theenlarged edge.

[0044]FIG. 14 is a side view of the left side of the universalreplacement swim fin strap displaying two octagonal orifices with theenlarged edge.

[0045]FIG. 15 is a side view of the left side of the universalreplacement swim fin strap displaying three hexagonal orifices with theenlarged edge.

[0046]FIG. 16 is a side view of the left side of the universalreplacement swim fin strap displaying four elongated narrow orificeswithout the enlarged edge.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0047] Referring in detail now to the drawing, wherein similar parts ofthe invention are identified by like reference numerals, there is seenin FIG. 1 a perspective view of the conventional open heel or strapstyle of swim fin 10. At one end is the propulsion blade 12 that hasmany different configurations depending upon the manufacturer. At theopposite end is the open foot pocket 14, distinguishing this style ofswim fin from the full foot pocket style with the heel strap as aninterregnal part of the fin. On the outer sides of the foot pocket 14are the conventional heel strap mounting knobs 20 consisting of anenlarged head end 22 and a shank portion 24 used by severalmanufacturers of swim fins.

[0048]FIG. 2A depicts a perspective view of the open foot pocket 14 ofthe open heel or strap style swim fin 10 with the universal replacementswim fin strap 28 exploded away. The universal replacement swim finstrap 28 consists of the heel area 30 with the side elements 32 and 34and a plurality of orifices 36A in the rectangular shape, terminating atthe distal ends 38 and 40 with pull-tabs 42 and 44. The surface of theheel area 30 will have a textured surface 46 to minimize sliding on theheel of the wearer. Additionally a similar pull-tab 48 is locatedcentrally above the heel area 30.

[0049] The outer edges 50 of the universal replacement swim fin strap 28may be enlarged on some embodiments with the central web 52 being athinner section allowing the stretch required to expand over the heelstrap mounting knobs 20. FIG. 2B depicts an alternate embodiment of thepull-tab 48 as being a ring grip 54 that can also replace the pull-tabs42 and 44 at the distal ends of the side elements 32 and 34.

[0050]FIG. 3 depicts the open heel portion 14 of the open heel of strapstyle swim fin 10 with an alternate embodiment as a bungee cord style ofswim fin replacement strap 60, consisting of a bungee cord 62 with loopends 64 and 66. Loop ends 62 and 64 are held in position by retainers 68and 70 while a sliding adjustment device 72 allows for lengthadjustments. The loop ends 62 and 64 expand to go over the enlarged head22 of the heel strap mounting knobs 20 and tighten on the shank portion24 in a similar fashion to the way that the orifices 36A, 36B, 36C workon the shank portion 24.

[0051]FIG. 4 depicts the open heel portion 14 of the open heel of strapstyle swim fin 10 with an additional alternate embodiment as surgicaltubing style of swim fin replacement strap 80 composed of one or moresections of surgical tubing 82 connected to attachment clips 84 and 86.The surgical tubing 82 is connected to the attachment clips 84 and 86 bythe conventional means of sliding the tubing over the prong end 88 andover the retainer bumps 90. When the surgical tubing is pushed on theprong ends 88, it expands allowing it to slide easily over the bumps 90,but when a force is applied to remove the tubing, it shrinks and holdstightly to the bumps 90 on the prong ends 88. The attachment clips 84and 86 have an orifice 92 with an enlarged end 94 that fits over theenlarged head 22 of the strap mounting knobs 20, and a reduced end 96that fits snugly on the shank end 24 of the strap mounting knobs 20.

[0052] FIGS. 5 is a side view of the preferred embodiment of theuniversal swim fin replacement heel strap 10 displaying the heel area30A with the textured surface 46 that retards sliding of the wearersheel. The two side elements 32 and 34 show the plurality of orifices 36Ain a rectangular shape and the pull-tabs 42 and 44 on the distal ends 38and 40 with the outer edges 50 shown in their enlarged state. FIG. 6 isa top view of the universal swim fin replacement heel strap 28.

[0053] FIGS. 7 depict the attachment clips 84 and 86 with two prong ends88 with FIG. 8 depicting one prong end 88, but it must be understoodthat there can be a number of attachment clips 84 and 86 with any numberof prong ends 88 and still be within the scope of this patent.

[0054]FIG. 10 is a section through the heel portion 30A with the flatconfiguration and the pull tab 48 straight up and the orifice 36B in aspherical shape while FIG. 11 shows a section through the heel portion30B with the pull tab 48 angled away from the wearers heel and theorifice 36C in a elliptical shape. FIG. 12 is a section showing the heelportion 30C in the curved shape matching the shape of the heel of thewearer with the orifice in a triangular shape.

[0055]FIGS. 13 through 16 display the left side of the universalreplacement swim fin strap with four of the different configurations oforifices, the first being FIG. 13, showing the square orifice 36E,located in the distal end of the strap 38 next to the pull tab 42. Thesecond FIG. 14 having two octagonal orifices 36F, located in the distalend of the strap 38 next to the pull tab 42. The third being FIG. 15,showing the hexagonal orifices 36G, located in the distal end of thestrap 38 next to the pull tab 42. The fourth FIG. 16 being fourelongated narrow orifices 36H, located in the distal end of the strap 38next to the pull tab 42 without the enlarged edge.

[0056] It must be made clear that any number, any geometric sizes orshapes of these orifices, for the means of attachment, may be locatedalong any portion of either side of the universal replacement swim finstrap, and the strap may or may not have the same orifices symmetricallylocated on either side of the strap and still be within the scope ofthis patent.

What is claimed:
 1. A universal swim fin replacement heel strapcomprising: a. a flat strip of flexible material of sufficient size thatincludes pull tabs, loops or orifices as a means of attachment to theuser's foot and fin and as a means of length adjustment b. a bungee likeflexible material of sufficient size that includes pull tabs or loopsand a means of length adjustment c. a flexible tubing material ofsufficient size that includes attachment clips made of a rigid orsemi-rigid material, pull tabs or loops and a means of length adjustment2. The heel strap of claim 1 wherein said strap made of rubber likeelastic material will have some means of pull tabs or loops positionedat key points of said strap.
 3. The heel strap of claim 2 wherein saidpull tabs or loops can be positioned at the appropriate angles for easyhandling of said strap.
 4. The heel strap of claim 1 wherein said strapmay be made from a rubbery like elastic material where any number oforifices that can come in a variety of geometrical shapes molded orplaced into said strap.
 5. The heel strap of claim 1 wherein said strapmade of rubber like elastic material can conform to the heel of theuser's foot.
 6. The heel strap of claim 1 wherein said strap made ofrubber like elastic material can have a textured surface on said strap.7. The heel strap of claim 1 wherein said strap made of rubber likeelastic material can be made with a smooth surface on said strap.
 8. Theheel strap of claim 1 wherein said strap will be of a uniform andconstant thickness.
 9. The heel strap of claim 1 wherein said strap canhave varying thickness of material through said strap.
 10. The heelstrap of claim 1 wherein said strap may be made of a rubber elasticmaterial can come in a variety of colors and hues.
 11. The heel strap ofclaim 1 wherein said strap may be made with a bungee or bungee likematerial and would have a means of attachment to the open heel dive finstrap attachment knobs placed on both outer sides of the foot pocket.12. The heel strap of claim 11 wherein said strap can also be equippedwith an adjustable tensioning device below the loop in the heel portionor said strap to make length adjustments.
 13. The heel strap of claim 12wherein said strap can be made without the adjustable tensioning device.14. The heel strap of claim 11 wherein said strap can have some means ofa pull tab instead of a loop or tensioning device.
 15. The heel strap ofclaim 1 wherein said strap made of a stretchy rubber tubing likematerial can be slipped onto the attachment clips that fasten to thedive fin attachment knob that protrudes out from both sides of the footpocket securing the strap to the fin and will be equipped with a loop inthe heel portion of said strap.
 16. The heel strap of claim 15 whereinsaid strap will be slipped onto the attachment clips wherein saidattachment clip comprising of one or more protruding prongs that attachto the corresponding ends of the stretchy rubber tubes.
 17. The heelstrap of claim 15 wherein said strap will be equipped with an adjustabletensioning device below the loop in the heel portion to make lengthadjustments on said strap.
 18. The heel strap of claim 17 wherein saidstrap can be made without the loop or adjustable tensioning device. 19.The heel strap of claim 15 wherein said strap may be equipped with somemeans of a pull tab instead of a loop at the heel portion of said strap.20. The heel strap of claim 16 wherein said strap can come in variousshapes and thickness depending on the tinsel strength of the materialand the size and shape of the prongs of the attachment clips.
 21. Theheel strap of claim 20 wherein said strap has prongs on the attachmentclips which can came in various shapes and sizes to correspond with theshape of the tubing of said strap.